The Leader of Horsham District Council, Cllr Robert Nye, has resigned as Leader and District Council. The decision has been made for personal reasons and comes into effect immediately.

Cllr Ray Dawe, Deputy Leader of Horsham District Council, has become the acting Leader of the Council and
will remain so until the Council appoints a new Leader. This is expected to be at the Council meeting to be held on 22 February 2012.

A by-election will be held on a date to be agreed in the New Year for the now vacant Horsham District Council seat for Itchingfield, Slinfold and Warnham. Explaining his resignation, Mr Nye said: "During the last 6 months
I have experienced financial difficulties related to the recession in the construction industry (nursery is less than 5% of business turnover).

“Over the last few weeks I have put in place actions that I am confident will ensure all creditors are paid although this will take longer than would be expected under normal trading conditions. While I am only following a recognised procedure open to anyone in my circumstances (and would not technically be required to stand down) I am sure, particularly considering the discussions surrounding the Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre, there
will be those who choose to make as much mischief with my personal circumstances as they can. 

“In order to avoid embarrassment to the council, of which I am very proud and have been honoured to serve for the past 12.5 years, and the Conservative Group who are the backbone of all that Horsham is, it is better I resign with immediate effect as Leader and as a councillor. 

“I would like to make it very clear my decision is driven only by my personal circumstances and has nothing
to do with the impending decisions around the Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre."